Peyton's Momma™

Minnesota based Family Lifestyle blog. Mother Daughter duo take on food, travel, and more.

Hot Chocolate Cookies (Easy Winter Cookie Recipe)

Hot Chocolate Cookies

If you love curling up with a warm mug of hot chocolate during the winter, you’re going to love these Hot Chocolate Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, loaded with chocolate chips and tiny marshmallow bits, and taste just like everyone’s favorite cozy winter drink.

These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Christmas dessert trays, or a snowy afternoon spent baking with the family. Every bite is packed with rich chocolate flavor, while the marshmallow bits add that classic hot chocolate experience without making the cookies messy.

One thing to remember is that these cookies don’t spread very much while baking. Simply flatten the cookie dough slightly before baking, or gently press them down immediately after they come out of the oven for perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Cookies

  • Rich chocolate flavor
  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Mini marshmallow bits in every bite
  • Easy holiday cookie recipe
  • Perfect for cookie exchanges
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Kid-approved
  • Great winter baking project

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup hot chocolate mix
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini marshmallow bits

Ingredient Notes

Hot Chocolate Mix

The hot chocolate mix gives these cookies their signature flavor and makes them taste just like a warm mug of hot chocolate.

Mini Marshmallow Bits

Use freeze-dried marshmallow bits instead of regular miniature marshmallows. They hold their shape much better during baking.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar helps keep these cookies soft and chewy for days.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together:

  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract.

Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Hot chocolate mix
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Stir in:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Mini marshmallow bits

Mix only until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Using a small cookie scoop, place cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Flatten each cookie slightly before baking since they won’t spread much in the oven.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Flatten the cookies before baking.
  • Don’t overbake if you want soft centers.
  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • A stand mixer works best because the dough becomes thick.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing.

Variations

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.

Double Chocolate

Mix in white chocolate chips along with the chocolate chips.

S’mores Cookies

Add crushed graham crackers and a few extra marshmallow bits.

Salted Hot Chocolate

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookies.

Mocha Hot Chocolate Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the dry ingredients.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 3 months.

Warm one in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use miniature marshmallows?

It’s best to use freeze-dried marshmallow bits because regular marshmallows melt too much during baking.

Why didn’t my cookies spread?

These cookies naturally stay thick. Flatten them slightly before baking for the best shape.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop into cookie balls before freezing.

Can I use dark hot chocolate mix?

Absolutely. It creates an even richer chocolate flavor.

Are these good for Christmas cookie trays?

Definitely! They’re unique, festive, and pair perfectly with holiday desserts.

Perfect for Winter Gatherings

These cookies are perfect for:

  • Christmas cookie exchanges
  • Holiday baking
  • Cookie gift boxes
  • Snow day treats
  • Family movie nights
  • Winter parties
  • Hot chocolate bars

These Hot Chocolate Cookies bring all the cozy flavors of your favorite winter drink into a soft, chewy cookie. With rich chocolate flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and sweet marshmallow bits, they’re the perfect dessert for chilly days and holiday celebrations.

Whether you’re baking a batch for Christmas, gifting them to neighbors, or enjoying one with a warm mug of cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are sure to become a winter favorite.

Be sure to check out our other holiday baking recipes.

Print Pin

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Cookies, Hot Cocoa, Hot Cocoa Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 C Butter, room temp
  • 1 C Sugar
  • 2/3 C Brown Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 1/4 C All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 C Hot Cocoa Mix
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 C Chocolate Chips
  • 1 C Marshmallow Bits

Instructions

  • These cookies are made best with a stand mixer as it does get a little stiff towards the end.
    With the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until they are light and fluffy.
    Add the eggs and vanilla extra and mix well.
    In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, hot cocoa mix, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
    Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the sugar mixture.
    Once all the dry ingredients have been incorporated into the sugar mixture it's time to add the chocolate chips. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
    Then stir in the marshmallow bits.
    With a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Be sure to press the cookies down a little because they will not spread much on their own.
    Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are a light brown.
    Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes then move to wire racks to finish cooling.


About Shanna

Shanna started writing shortly after her daughter was born. She's written for various outlets over the years. When she's not writing about her adventures with her daughter, she's out having adventures!